OCHA Situation Report
Burundi Situation
Period: 3 - 9 March 2003
9 March 2003


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

Humanitarian Activities
1. UN WFP undertakes to help 631,000 vulnerable people

The World Food Programme (WFP) has signed a Letter of Understanding with
the TNGoB [Tuesday 4 March] to provide food aid for some 631,000
vulnerable people under a protracted relief and recovery operation
spanning three years.  Some 294,000 tons of food will be needed at an
estimated cost of US $195 million, according to Mr Mustapha Darboe, WFP
Representative in Burundi. Those targeted include vulnerable children
suffering from malnutrition, pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers, as
those suffering chronic illness.

2. Cholera-update

The trend remained downward this week in Rumonge District (Bururi
Province).  As at 7 March, 159 cholera cases have been reported.  Cholera
cases have also been reported from Buyengero Commune (Bururi Province)
although on a smaller scale.  Sixteen cases have been registered
(including two hospitalised and three related *deaths [*unconfirmed]).

3. NFI assistance for Makamba IDPs

The International NGO, Tearfund, has started [5th March] a distribution of
essential non-food items (blankets, plastic sheeting, soap, goblets,
basins and jerry cans) to 5,000 families in four IDP camps (Kayogoro,
Vugizo and Gatabo communes) in Makamba Province.  UNICEF is providing the
non-food items and supporting Tearfund operationally.  In addition, IRC -
UNICEF partner in Makamba, is evaluating the situation in Nyabikina
village (Nyanza Lac Commune, Makamba Province) where 82 families were
affected by severe storms and flooding last week.  IRC will distribute, if
necessary, non-food items supplied by UNICEF.

4. Itaba massacre: Statement of the EU and US Embassy

On behalf of the Council of the EU, a Declaration by the Presidency [6
March], called for a 'neutral and independent inquiry to establish the
facts rapidly and identify the guilty parties, so they can be prosecuted
and judged in accordance with due judicial process'.

The US Embassy issued a statement [26 February] published below verbatim:
"The United States of America expresses its great disappointment at the
failure of the Transitional Government to fulfill its commitment to
appropriately punish under law those responsible for the massacre of
civilians by elements of the Army" that took place on September 9, 2002,
Itaba Commune, Gitega Province).  The United States call on the
Transitional Government to fulfil its commitment in this regard.  The
United States again condemns in the strongest possible terms any killing
of civilians by elements of the army and by members of rebel movements and
reminds all parties of their obligation to respect the rights of
civilians".

5. Returnees as at 4 March 2003

UNHCR (Burundi) reports 5,511 facilitated and 3686 spontaneous returnees
Y.T.D.


Security

6. Insecurity upsurge

Fighting coupled with armed banditry has been reported in several
provinces including the northeastern provinces of Muyinga and Kirundo,
which had remained calm for over six years.  Muyinga provincial
authorities reported that CNDD-FDD continue to conduct subversive
teachings.  In Kirundo, FDD launched an attack and killed one person.  In
Ngozi, a large rebel presence was reported in four communes.  In Kayanza
Province, bordering Kibira Forest, CNDD rebels increased their attacks
moving from one commune to another toward the central provinces of Gitega
and Muramvya.  In the capital, unidentified gunmen have killed several
people in Cibitoke and Gihosha zones.  Witnesses reported four civilians
'executed' by Burundi soldiers (Rukaramu zone) Bujumbura Rural Province
[Army Spokesperson Colonel Ayugustin Nzabampena said Monday - according to
an AFP report, the four men were killed "out of revenge", but did not give
details].  The Army launched offensives against FNL rebels in Mutambu
Commune after the rebels attacked military targets during the week.  
Theft and violence continues in Ruyigi and Cibitoke provinces.


Political

7. The TNGoB and CNDD-FDD resume talks

A Mini-Summit of regional leaders to discuss Burundi's peace process
opened in Dar-Es-Salaam [1-2 March] with Mr Yoweri Museveni, Ugandan
President [Chairman, Regional Peace Initiative], President Mkapa
(Tanzania), President Buyoya (Burundi) and SA Deputy President, Jacob Zuma
and CNDD-FDD Secretary General, Mr Hussein Radjabu. CNDD-FDD complained
that the government had blocked deliveries of food and medical supplies to
its fighters and objected to the deployment of African Mission
peacekeeping troops from other countries, saying they were not consulted
about the soldiers origin.  "All parties welcomed the progress already
made in the establishment of the African mission in Burundi and pledged
their full support," [Joint Communique issued 2 March].  "Both sides have
made good progress", President Museveni told Reuters on Sunday 2 March.  
The Summit ended with all parties agreeing on the 'need for a new
constitution' and, the granting of 'immunity from prosecution in the
interim'.

8. EC aid for an African Peacekeeping Mission

The European Union has granted [4 March] 1.23m Euros (African Union) for
the establishment and operation of an African Peacekeeping Mission for a
period six months.

9. Latest events

   UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Sergio Vieira de Mello, ended
   his three-day visit to Bujumbura, Burundi [2 March].

   The International Monetary Fund (IMF) grants US$12.5 million credit to
   the TNGoB.

   President Buyoya received Mr Jean-Bosco Ndayikengurukiye and Dr Alain
   Mugabarabona, (CNDD-FDD and Palipehutu-FNL minority wing Leaders) [3
   and 4 March] respectively.

   Burundi Head of State met with heads of local radio managers [4 March]
   and forbade them to air any interviews with CNDD-FDD and Palipehutu-FNL
   leaders (Mr Pierre Nkurunziza and Mr Agathon Rwasa) and/or discussion
   on the 1 May transition.

   Mr Charles Mukasi, UPRONA Party wing opposition leader remains in
   prison despite court's release order [5 March].

   UPRONA (GoB) undertake sensitisation campaign for the youth (Net Press,
   2 March)

   Mgr Simon Ntamwana, Arch-bishop of Gitega, accused of contributing to
   the division of the Burundian church community [4 March].

   Burundi Youth Council (BYC) voice protest against the four-month
   sentence for the massacre of 173 civilians in Itaba on 9 September 2002
   [Statement issued 3 March].


Coordination

10. Contact Group Meeting (for the Minutes access: www.ochaburundi.org)

   Chaired by Mr Stefano, Severe (Humanitarian Coordinator a.i.) 33
   attendees [5March].

   Mr Alexis Kabona and Mr François Chamois, respective Focal Points for
   Muyinga (IMC) and Bururi (IRC) provinces, presented their minutes [12
   and 18 February].


For Information

Nicholas McGowan
Information Officer
OCHA Burundi
PH: (257) 951 681
E-mail: mcgowann@un.org



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